Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

Good evening, Salem.

Reducing shootings and street violence was a key goal for Salem leaders two years ago. Now, a key piece of that effort is finally getting off the ground.

Like many communities emerging from the pandemic, Salem saw an uptick in shootings, particularly among young men.

The concerns crystallized following the March 2024 murder in Bush’s Pasture Park, where a high school sophomore killed a classmate and wounded two other teens.

Police and city leaders promised action, and proposed a Community Violence Reduction Initiative. A series of public meetings and a plan followed – including a recommendation to host “call-in” meetings with young men identified by authorities as at high risk for being involved in a shooting.

The initiative has had its hiccups as the city of Salem contended with budget cuts and failed to hire someone to coordinate that work. Meantime, shootings and violence crime have fallen in Salem. But community groups have continued trying to make progress alongside law enforcement – culminating in a recent meeting with six young men.

Reporter Madeleine Moore shares more in her story below about what happened and what’s ahead.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem.

www.salemreporter.com

Leaders start long-planned violence intervention meetings with local teenagers

Salem leaders are rolling out “call-in” meetings with young men who are deemed at high risk of being involved in a shooting to provide help finding employment, education and encouragement…

www.salemreporter.com

5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in May

In May, exhibits in Salem will share work from local photographers and a first-of-its kind celebration of local Jewish painters, poets and performers. To comment on this story, use the…

www.salemreporter.com

Lawsuit alleges Oregon State Police violated sanctuary laws by sharing data with feds

Federal immigration authorities have accessed state databases 1.4 million times, according to a suit filed by the Rural Organizing Project. To comment on this story, use the form at the…

READERS REACT: “I would like to see a list of regulatory tax burdens, for business, comparing Oregon to other states. We keep hearing about these but they are never explained. Maybe a serious discussion regarding a sales tax is in order, to offload the business community.” -Evan, on this article about a recent local business summit by Hailey Cook.

Join the conversation by filing out the form at the bottom of any of our articles.

SEND US NEWS TIPS: Send your information, ideas or questions to our editor, Les Zaitz, at [email protected].

SUBSCRIPTION ISSUE? Get clear answers from our Subscription Policies and Help page.

Our mailing address is: 494 State St., #410 • Salem, Oregon 97301

You are receiving this email because you signed up through our website or participated in a promotion.

Leaders start long-planned violence intervention meetings with local teenagers

5 exhibits to see at Salem’s galleries, museums in May

Lawsuit alleges Oregon State Police violated sanctuary laws by sharing data with feds

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription